Constructs for each Broad Area of Inquiry (including intended DOK Ceiling Levels, based on Webb Depth of Knowledge Levels for Science – see also Section II) Inquiry Constructs answer the question: What is it about the broad area of Inquiry that we want students to know and be able to do?
Formulating Questions & Hypothesizing
1. Analyze information from observations, research, or experimental data for the purpose of formulating a question, hypothesis, or prediction: (DOK 3)
1a. Appropriate for answering with scientific investigation
1b. For answering using scientific knowledge
2. Construct coherent argument in support of a question, hypothesis, prediction (DOK 2 or 3 depending on complexity of argument)
3. Make and describe observations in order to ask questions, hypothesize, make predictions related to topic (DOK 2)
Planning and Critiquing of Investigations
4. Identify information/evidence that needs to be collected in order to answer the question, hypothesis, prediction (DOK 2 – routine; DOK 3 nonroutine/ more than one dependant variable)
5. Develop an organized and logical approach to investigating the question, including controlling variables (DOK 2 – routine; DOK 3 nonroutine)
6. Provide reasoning for appropriateness of materials, tools, procedures, and scale used in the investigation (DOK 2)
Conducting Investigations
7. Follow procedures for collecting and recording qualitative or quantitative data, using equipment or measurement devices accurately (DOK 1 – use tools; routine procedure; DOK 2 – follow multi-step procedures; make observations)
8. Use accepted methods for organizing, representing, and manipulating data (DOK 2 – compare data; display data)
9. Collect sufficient data to study question, hypothesis, or relationships (DOK 2 – part of following procedures)
10. Summarize results based on data (DOK 2)
Developing and Evaluating Explanations
11. Analyze data,including determining if data are relevant, artifact, irrelevant, or anomalous (DOK 2 – specify relationships between facts; ordering, classifying data)
12. Use evidence to support and justify interpretations and conclusions or explain how the evidence refutes the hypothesis (DOK 3)
13. Communicate how scientific knowledge applies to explain results, propose further investigations, or construct and analyze alternative explanations (DOK 3)
What inquiry steps are expected that students will be able to do on the NECAP?
Resource: NECAP Science Assessment Handout.
Pick a Broad Area of Science Inquiry for the High School and summarize student expectations below. You may need to add a row to the table.
1a. Appropriate for answering with scientific investigation
1b. For answering using scientific knowledge
2. Construct coherent argument in support of a question, hypothesis, prediction (DOK 2 or 3 depending on complexity of argument)
3. Make and describe observations in order to ask questions, hypothesize, make predictions related to topic (DOK 2)
5. Develop an organized and logical approach to investigating the question, including controlling variables (DOK 2 – routine; DOK 3 nonroutine)
6. Provide reasoning for appropriateness of materials, tools, procedures, and scale used in the investigation (DOK 2)
8. Use accepted methods for organizing, representing, and manipulating data (DOK 2 – compare data; display data)
9. Collect sufficient data to study question, hypothesis, or relationships (DOK 2 – part of following procedures)
10. Summarize results based on data (DOK 2)
12. Use evidence to support and justify interpretations and conclusions or explain how the evidence refutes the hypothesis (DOK 3)
13. Communicate how scientific knowledge applies to explain results, propose further investigations, or construct and analyze alternative explanations (DOK 3)
Resource: NECAP Science Assessment Handout.
Pick a Broad Area of Science Inquiry for the High School and summarize student expectations below. You may need to add a row to the table.